DFDS Newcastle - Amsterdam Mini Cruise : Your Questions Answered

Disclosure - This post is based on 10+ trips I have taken along this route myself (a mix of trips I have paid for myself and press trips). AD - The links in the posts are affiliate links. Information in this post is correct as of March 2025 and subject to change - always check with venues direct for the most up-to-date info and message DFDS if you're not sure.

Where can I access the half price mini cruise?

You can check all current offers and deals here: DFDS Deals (includes school hols)

Can you share the trip timings?

If booking the mini cruise, you book your outbound trip for day one (say Saturday) and return for day two (say Sunday).

Day One

2:30pm - check in opens at Port of Tyne. Head to the DFDS check in desks inside the Port of Tyne building with your passports and they'll print your boarding cards. Boarding tends to start at 3pm. Your bags go through a scanner and you walk through a scanner too. You can take as much luggage as you can carry - no weight limit. Your boarding card is needed to access your room, restaurant reservations and to get back onto the ship so keep it safe
4:15pm - check in closes and the ship departs at 5pm local time

Remember to change your watches to Central European Time and turn off data roaming on your phone. It's handy to download your booking confirmation to your phone.

Day Two

9:45am - arrive at IJmuiden. Listen for announcements about leaving the ship. You can leave luggage on the ship. Don't forget your passport and boarding card. Walk through passport control (just a heads up - there are regularly sniffer dogs here) and head to the coaches waiting outside (you can't miss them). Show your boarding card / booking confirmation to the driver and climb aboard. It takes 40 minutes to transfer into the city centre, you usually arrive at 11am.

Transfer coaches to Amsterdam
11am - 4pm - free to explore Amsterdam
3:15pm-4pm - coaches leave Amsterdam and head back to the ferry. There are DFDS coach drivers and staff at the drop off/ pick up point to help you. There is no need to check in again on the mini cruise - just use your same boarding pass
5:30pm - ship leaves Amsterdam

Day Three

9:15am - ship arrives in North Shields local time. We are generally arrive home before 10am (Cramlington).

Can I stay for longer and book a hotel in Amsterdam?

Yes but again, this isn't part of the mini cruise. DFDS offer this trip with overnight stays in a hotel as part of their City Break package. We did this last year and really enjoyed the additional time in the city.

Check city breaks here: DFDS Amsterdam City Breaks with Hotel

Can I take my own car?

You can but this is a different deal from the mini cruise. You can check prices for short breaks with a car here: DFDS Short Break with a Car Deals

Do check your insurance and current advice for driving in the Netherlands in good time.

We have taken our car with DFDS to stay at Duinrell and Efteling and Amsterdam is the first place I tried driving abroad too. It's not too tricky and I'd recommend. I will share links to these posts below:

The Ultimate Guide to Staying at Duinrell

Top Tips for Driving in the Netherlands

A Weekend at Efteling

Is 5 hours really enough time in Amsterdam?

Yes it really is, with the mini cruise, you need to see it as a full mini break - your time onboard is part of the trip too and not just a way of getting there. Amsterdam is a compact city and easy to walk around. You can easily fit two attractions in per trip or just wander around soaking up a new city. Here are a few ideas for how to spend your time:

What is there to do for kids on board?

There's a fair bit for kids to enjoy on board.

Free activities include:

Parrot Mascot Meet & Greet (sometimes handing out activity packs and balloons)
A treasure hunt around the ship led by staff
Soft play areas next to the on board coffee shop
Lego tables / TVs with kids shows
Wildlife watching room with info boards and activity sheets
Colouring competitions and crafts led my entertainment staff
If you visit during school holidays, you'll often find the kids gather on the dance floor early evening too

Paid activities include:

Two on board cinemas with 6 films showing
Arcade and games room

When my children were younger, I used to bring a sea life sticker book or pirate sticker book on board and they'd happily sit and do that as we enjoyed a glass of wine and listened to the live music in the early evening. You can also download their favourite TV shows / films to a tablet to watch on board.

What other entertainment is there?

There's free whisky tasting in the Duty Free shop, shopping (fab prices too), a live band in the club room at 7pm, bingo at 9pm and then a late night disco plus an acoustic singer in the pub from 6pm-11pm. There are plenty of seating areas where you can sit and enjoy the view / read a book, massage chairs and there's a TV showing the news in Starbucks.

There are wildlife watching rooms and observatory rooms where you can get the best views. Plus there's a bar on the very top floor which offers fantastic views as you leave port.

What is there to for for kids in Amsterdam?

There's loads to do for kids in Amsterdam. If it's your first time, I'd recommend visiting NEMO Science Museum which is easy to walk to from the DFDS Coach Drop off or a Canal Cruise and some pancakes or Ripleys Believe it Or Not and the LEGO Store.

I've shared lots of ideas and a location map here: How to Spend 5 Hours in Amsterdam with Kids Blog

Amsterdam is a busy city with cyclists, trams and cars - I definitely recommend keeping hold of your child's hands in busier areas.

Any food recommendations for Amsterdam?

Yes! I've shared a food tour here: Amsterdam Food Tour

Is the boat full of rowdy stag and hen parties?

No it's not. I've taken this trip many times and I've never experienced this. Sometimes you do get groups of people but these tend to gather in the Columbus Bar where the late night disco is so are easily avoided. If you'd like a chilled vibe, check out the Navigators Pub which usually has an acoustic singer playing.

We have never heard any noise at night and always get a really good night's sleep.

Can you leave your luggage in your room when you explore Amsterdam?

Yes you can. You generally use the same boarding card and have the same room for both legs of the journey. If for whatever reason this is not possible, staff will let you know in advance and there is a luggage store at the on board customer services area. I've never had to use this though and always had the same room.

Can I take a pushchair?

Yes, you can take a pushchair. There are lifts on board. I would recommend a fold up option for storing in your cabin.

Can I take my own food on board?

Yes, you can take your own food to enjoy on board. They just ask that this is consumed inside your cabin and that you don't bring your own alcohol or glass bottles. Keep in mind that there are no fridges in standard rooms and check EU food safety rules if you are planning on taking food from the UK into Amsterdam.

When I've been on a budget, I've made up little breakfast bags with longlife juice, pain au chocolats, brunch bars and fruit and we've once taken a Greggs to eat in our cabin for tea too.

What food options are available on board?

Coffee Crew Cafe

There's a coffee shop on board sharing a limited menu of drinks, pastries and cakes. You don't need to book - just walk in. 2025 menu and prices (in euros) below. Click on the image to zoom in.

Explorer's Kitchen

This is an all-you-can-eat buffet but one of the better ones I've been to. Expect crowd pleasers like pizzas, pastas and a build your own taco bar. Plus salads, a sushi station, fresh bread, soup, stir fries, seafood dishes, a roast, desserts, an ice cream factory, chocolate truffles, a cheeseboard section and more.

Even the fussiest eaters are well catered for here. Under 4s eat free and it's £25.50 per adult and £12.45 per child aged 4-11 years when booked in advance (a little more to walk in). Drinks are charged on the evening (prices in euros).

You can also book Explorer's Kitchen for breakfast which is a large buffet with over 40 dishes - everything from fresh fruit and pancakes to a Full English, pastries and yoghurts.

I'd definitely recommend booking breakfast as you arrive in Amsterdam so hunger doesn't distract you from your day. Breakfast is served from 7:30am until it's time to disembark. It's nice just sitting with a pot of coffee here after your meal as you arrive.

Breakfast is really well priced at £12.95 per adult and at time of writing this, one child can enjoy a free breakfast for every adult dining.

North Sea Bistro

This is my favourite restaurant on board and although a little pricier, worth it in my opinion for a high quality meal with beautiful views and service.

It's £44.50 for a 3 course meal in adults with options including scallops and steak at no supplement and £13.50 for children (when booked in advance). Vegan and Vegetarian options are available and there's a wine matching service too.

Other Places to Buy Food On Board

There are some vending machines with drinks, you can buy ice lollies from selected bars including the Sky Bar and there are limited snacks available to purchase from the bars including crisps, nuts, nachos and a Dutch sharing board.

Prices in Euros

The duty free shop also sells the usual pringles, toblerone and haribo.....

Are dietary requirements catered for?

Yes, I found this to be excellent with clear food labels and allergens throughout plus the option to speak with the chef. They will happily warm up baby food/milk for you.

How much are drinks on board?

I have always been impressed with prices which seem cheaper than bars in Central Newcastle. In March 2025 we paid £10.19 for a glass of Sauvignon Blanc and Guinness in the Sky Bar, £13.12 for an Espresso Martini and Guinness in the Coumbus Club and £11.93 for an Aperol Spritz and Guinness in the Navigator's Pub.

Prices in Euros

The currency on board is Euros and you can pay cash, card or contactless. There's also a cashpoint and money exchange on board.

Do I need to book restaurants in advance?

I recommend you do as it's cheaper and you can access the best time slots. You can either book restaurants when you book your mini cruise or add them onto your booking at a later date. Remember when you book your reservation, the ship uses Central European Time so will be one hour ahead (if you book a table at 6pm, it will feel like 5pm).

You can also just walk into restaurants onboard. I generally find that there is always space in the a la carte but often, the buffet restaurant can be fully booked and you may need to wait until an off peak time slot (such as 9pm) to be seated.

We usually always book restaurants now as it adds to our trip but if you just wanted to sample one, I'd recommend having a large late lunch at home before checking in and taking snacks for your room for night one. I'd recommend booking breakfast as the ship arrives in Amsterdam as you can fill your boots and even skip lunch when exploring the city. Plus nobody wants to enter a new city hangry!

Then book the a la carte for the return journey home as a lovely end to your trip and something to look forward to for your return journey.

Is there WiFi on board and can I use my phone?

It is strongly recommended you turn roaming off as Maritime charges for roaming are extremely high - £5-£10 per MB or even higher. Most networks don't allow you to add a roaming bundle when at sea. You can turn off roaming in your phone settings (or pop your phone on airplane mode).

You can purchase WiFi on board - just search for DFDS Guest WiFi and follow the instructions. Below are current prices per device.

I will also point out that free WiFi is included if you stay in the upgraded Commodore accommodation - one device per person staying in the room. There will be vouchers waiting for you in your room. If there are 4 of you and you all want to access WiFi, it might be worth upgrading (you get other perks like complimentary breakfast and a free mini bar too).

What about sea sickness?

It's all down to personal experience. We have thankfully never experienced sea sickness. My tried and tested method is to visit a pharmacist for travel sickness tablets and follow the dosage. For me, this is taking one on boarding, one before I go to bed and one when I wake up. This has always worked for me but everyone is different and you need to take your own medical advice.

You can feel the ship move and gently sway but it's never been too bad for me - you can usually still walk in a straight line. Storms and bad weather could happen at any time though but I guess it's the same with turbulance and air travel.

If you do suffer, speak to a member of staff and the staff on board can assist.

Where can I park at Port of Tyne and how much is it?

You can park in the official Port of Tyne Car Park which is just next to the ferry terminal for £36 per mini cruise. Take a ticket as you enter and pay at the pay station inside the terminal building when you arrive back. You don't need to book. Find out more: https://www.portoftyne.co.uk/passenger-information/parking

Alternatively, Premier Inn North Shields is just along the road and offers parking for £7.50 per night. Book here: https://www.yourparkingspace.co.uk/locations/show/4294948959

There is a taxi rank (freephone from inside the terminal building) and free drop off / pick up area too.

Is there Public Transport to Port of Tyne?

Yes, the Go North East 19 bus stops close by and Percy Main Metro Station is a 20 minute walk away. There's a DFDS Shuttle Bus that leaves Bewick Street across from Newcastle Central Station. It's £6.60 per person which can be booked in advance with your booking or you can pay as you board.

Do I need to book the coach transfers to Amsterdam?

If you're taking the mini cruise, in a nutshell, yes you do. There is no taxi rank / Uber where you arrive at IJmuiden and it's 40 minutes by car from the port to Amsterdam Central Station.

It takes around 1hr 15 to 1hr 40 minutes to travel by public transport from IJmuiden to Central Amsterdam and you'd need to change bus / Metro 3 times. For me, it's not worth the stress and you'd be cutting your already limited time in Amsterdam by a couple of hours.

Example public transport route

Are there cabins for families of 5?

Yes, there are cabins which sleep 5. These are popular though and get booked up well in advance so if a 5 berth cabin isn't showing as available on the dates you'd like, it probably means they are fully booked.

Cabins have been refurbished since this photo was taken

Can I book a cabin with a double bed rather than bunks without upgrading to commodore?

Yes, standard cabins with a double bed are available. We paid £68 return for a cabin of this type in the most recent sale. If the standard double bed cabin doesn't show as an option for you on your dates, it will mean it's sold out so try another date.

Will I have my own bathroom and towels?

Yes every cabin on board has their own en-suite toilet and shower with towels and toiletries provided.

Do I need to bring bedding?

Bedding is provided and beds are made up on arrival.

Can I take a travel cot / are cots provided?

For standard cabins, you cannot bring a cot and they are not provided (as there is limited space). If you want your baby to have their own bed, you need to book a cabin with the correct number of beds. Bed rails are available from customer services on board.

If staying in a Commodore Cabin (which is more spacious), you can request a travel cot in advance for your room.

Do I need an adapter?

There is usually one EU style plug socket in your cabin so yes, bring an adapter like these ones. We usually bring an extension cable too. You'll also find a USB socket by each bed.

Do they take cash or card on board?

Yes, they take cash (euros), card and contactless. There's a cashpoint and money exchange on board too.

Where does the coach drop you off in Amsterdam?

The transfer coaches are all lined up outside passport control waiting for you. There's generally nobody else there and it's really easy. Just show your boarding card / booking confirmation to the driver as you board. Transfers into the city take around 40 minutes.

You are dropped off and collected just behind Central Station Amsterdam where you'll find trains and metros. It's an easy 20 minute walk to Dam Square with lots of attractions or 11 minute walk to Nemo Science Centre from here. On a map, the Viking Cruise Terminal is close by.

Drop off location marked with a red pin near the Viking Cruise point

Coach drop off to Dam Square walking route

Coach drop off the Nemo Science Museum walking route (there is a bridge over the water)

Do I need a passport for this trip?

All passengers need a valid passport. Ensure you're up to date with current guidance before travelling. I'd also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance and a GHIC card.

Can I bring my pet dog?

It is not possible to bring your pet dog as part of a mini cruise but you can for longer trips. There are pet friendly cabins and kennels available as well as a dog walking area on deck. Pets are not permitted in other public areas on board.

Please note, you must follow current guidelines which you can read here: Travelling with your dog

Can you show me around a standard cabin?

Yes, I've shared a standard cabin tour here: Standard Cabin Tour Video

Can I upgrade my cabin?

Yes you can. You can book a Commodore Cabin in advance or upgrade at check in subject to availibility. These cabins are more spacious and include addional perks such as luxury toiletries, complimentary WiFi, complimentary mini bar and complimentary breakfast. These cabins are of course, more expensive. I checked during our most recent trip and they were £220 each way for up to 4 guests.

There's also an option to order room service which is a nice perk. A few pics below.